Police reiterate free bail policy, warn officers against extortion

The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated bail is free, warning officers against demanding money from suspects or their relatives to secure release from custody.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, also warned that individuals who offer money for bail could face arrest and prosecution.

The warning was delivered by the Head of the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) at the Force Headquarters, Superintendent of Police Awu Fidelis Jonah, during a sensitisation rally organised by the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI) in collaboration with the CRU.

Jonah said restoring public confidence in the police remained a priority, adding that complaints of misconduct and unlawful demands for money were being investigated.

He stressed that neither suspects nor their relatives should be asked to pay to secure bail.

According to him, officers found guilty of misconduct faced disciplinary measures, while the police continued to encourage citizens to report abuses.

The ECAPI National Coordinator, Ambassador Samuel Eniola, said the campaign was designed to educate Nigerians about their rights, discourage police brutality and promote the reporting of misconduct.

He said the initiative planned to extend its activities to markets, motor parks, schools and communities across the country.

Representing Lagos Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid described the partnership as important for improving intelligence sharing and strengthening relations between the police and residents.

Meanwhile, the Officer in Charge of the Lagos Police Command's CRU, Deputy Superintendent of Police Mogaji Idriss, said the unit had recorded successes in handling complaints against officers.

Idriss also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had convened an emergency meeting over concerns surrounding police operations in Ikorodu.

He said officers were warned against using unregistered vehicles, particularly minibuses, during operations, adding that action had been taken over a recent incident in the area.

The campaign is part of efforts to promote accountability within the police force and encourage Nigerians to report misconduct.